FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Iraq pics

I am just wondering, I know it is not FJ related. Would anyone here be interested in some pics from here in Iraq? Nothing earth shattering...maybe a few not for kids, pics of soldiers goofing off in adult ways..no nudity!!
Military vehicles etc. Just pics to see what it is like where I am at.
Please let me know..if you decide yes, tell me where to post, if not, then we won't worry about it.
Best Wishes
Rob Betteridge

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Permalink Reply by Bozly on October 31, 2009 at 10:35pm

CaAnnie has the beer phone, we just happen to be on it when the calls go out.
And a good time is had by all... looking forward to seeing you there SOON!!!

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Permalink Reply by Robert Betteridge on October 31, 2009 at 11:39pm

Bozly,
sorry, no pics of them in the sand.
A quick note for those that, myself included, think of this place. Bozly, this is not a dig, please do not get offended.
Where I am, there is no sand!!
I knew that, coming over here, I was going to see sand.
I found no sand!! Darned misconceptions of mine!! I am joking about this subject, as all my friends and family members thought the same thing.
The area in this part of the country resembles plains in Nevada (born there) . we have not much rain, a whole bunch of sunshine, and dry air. The ground outside the perimeter fence is tan dry dirt. If the vehicles drive on it for any length of time, it turns to "moon dust", fine as talcum powder. it explodes when a boot hits it, you could not imagine what a vehicle does to it!!!!!!!! you do not want a camera near that stuff!!
As you can imagine, when it rains, this stuff turns into a sticky goo that wants to be a permanent part of all it touches, boots and vehicles not withstanding.
There is little sagebrush looking plants outside the wire. I have pics of this and will show them when i get back. You will get a good idea of the terrain here.
as far as the vehicles go, consider this 50,000 lbs plus coming down like a meteor, and you will have an idea of what jumping these things is like..not much up..but a whole lot of down!!!
I have pics of one that hit a Wadi (ditch) around 35 mph. Bent front axle assy, both caster and camber on straight axle!!!
Rear axle same thing, plus busted centering pin, caster, camber plus uneven wheelbase. plus broken spring. they drove it in, but it was side tracking like you cannot believe. That was a loooong day/night/day to get it operational again....no "rat patrol" for these!!!!!
if you are ever next to one of these, and see a large rope/tow strap on one DO NOT TOUCH THE POOP ROPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is what the soldiers call the tow straps. no sewer systems here...truck it out of town, dump sewage, let dust cover it, and some poor soldier that thinks they are driving on firm land, sinks in this stuff, and has to be pulled out of the "stuff"
REMEMBER DO NOT TOUCH THE POOP ROPE!!!!!!!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Robert Betteridge on November 1, 2009 at 12:04am

One other thing,
When you see the pic of the two soldiers" riding?" the soldier in front is Mark. I work with him in the motor pool.
If you are interested...type in markreese1 on internet. it should come up with a you tube site.
The site is one Mark made before he came over here. The song that plays is an Alan Jackson song, but the person singing it is the soldier Mark, I think you will be surprised, I know I was..this is a good thing...
rob